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The Black & Whites have swooped to capture the signature of the 30-year old Tongan international, fighting off competition from clubs both in the UK and in the NRL to lure him to the KCOM Stadium.

A major coup for the Betfred Super League, explosive forward Ma’u has also represented New Zealand at international level, and is considered by teammates and opponents to be one of the most fearsome forwards in the game Down Under.

The Kiwi-born star started his career in the game with New Zealand Warriors’ reserve-grade side Auckland Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup in 2009, before heading to the Eels reserve side Wentworthville Magpies.

Ma’u made his senior debut in the NRL in 2014, and was named in the Kiwi Test squad for the first-time the following season.

He would go on to feature six times for his homeland, including all five matches of the 2016 Four Nations in the UK, before switching allegiance to Tonga ahead of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Ma’u would similarly feature in every game of the side’s historic run to the semi-finals of the competition, alongside the likes of Jason Taumalolo and Sika Manu, becoming influential member of their squad.

During six seasons with the Eels he has made over 100 NRL appearances, earning their coveted Ken Thornett Medal as their Player of the Season in 2016.

‘The Tongan Terminator’, as he was recently nicknamed, has averaged 117 metres per game across his career, and will be regarded as one of the best forwards in Super League next season.

Previous Clubs: Parramatta Eels, Auckland Vulcans, Wentworthville Magpies

Community Club: Richmond Rovers, Marist Saints

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